The first assistant director in drama is the conduit between the director and the crew. They are in charge of organisation, timings and discipline on set, while the director is in charge of the overall look of the programme and the performance of the actors.

During pre-production, first ADs work closely with the director to break down the script and work out what order scenes can be shot in. This requires in-depth knowledge of working hours rules, health and safety legislation and location management.

On set, first ADs manage a team of other ADs and runners. They must ensure that actors arrive on set, costumed and ready to go, at the correct time, and they are responsible for making sure each day runs to schedule.